State Teacher Aide (Paraprofessional) with Students who are blind/Visually Impaired
csdb.colorado.gov
Vision Statement: CSDB aspires to be an exemplary global resource for families and professionals that excels in preparing diverse learners to transform the world with PRIDE: Positive attitude, Respect, Independence, Determination, and Excellence.
Mission Statement: The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB), in collaboration with families, school districts and community partners, ... educates and inspires learners throughout the state, birth through age 21, to achieve their full human potential through comprehensive, individualized academic, transition, residential and outreach programs and resources.
Description of Job
The eligible list established from this job announcement will be utilized to fill one (1) current vacancy and may be utilized to fill future vacancies that occur within the next 3-6 months, and may include temporary / substitute vacancies.
State Teacher Aide (Special Education Paraprofessional) positions at CSDB are scheduled to work an academic-year schedule (August to mid-June), as per established School Calendar (subject to change).
This position is assigned to work in the School for the Blind. This program provides educational, social, and emotional development for students who are blind/visually impaired, and students with additional disabilities to include emotional / behavior, learning, physical / medical and/or cognitive, ensuring a safe environment on campus and in the workplace/community.
Special Education Paraprofessionals at CSDB are responsible to provide support to students and teachers under the direction of the teaching staff by assisting in classroom instruction through implementation of lesson plans, use of effective teaching strategies, teaching aids and working with students in a one-to-one or small group setting (based upon Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives), to manage behavior (may include aggressive and non-compliant behavior) in order to maintain a safe learning environment, and to perform classroom or school administrative support tasks as required.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with teachers as assigned by producing materials, working with students in a 1:1 or small group situation, implementing behavior management strategies under the guidance of the classroom teacher or principal. Also, all other related duties as assigned by supervisor or classroom teacher.
- Monitor/teach classes when the classroom teacher is away for brief periods of time. Attend workshops, team meetings, and department meetings to develop and/or maintain skills and receive updated knowledge pertaining to responsibilities. Files, copies and collates instructional material necessary for administration of classroom or school.
- Supervise students during lunch duty, snack time, small group settings, and to and from the bus. Monitor and ensure student safety by assisting other staff. Answers phone, and uses phone or intercom system, and utilizes email system to relay necessary information to appropriate staff, students or parents.
- Collaborate on planning and execution of special projects, parent education workshops, field trips, and daily activities.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Special Education Qualifications: All Paraprofessionals hired under Title I (Special Education) Programs must have a high school diploma or GED and must meet the requirements listed below upon hire. Transcripts (or ACT WorkKeys Certificate) must be provided with the application to verify education.
Associates (or higher) degree in a field of study related to the work assignment (see below) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Substitutions for the degree requirement above:
- Two (2) years in a field of study related to the work assignment (see below) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (equivalent to 48 semester credit hours).
- Met a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment (i.e., ACT WorkKeys), knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness; i.e. school readiness).
Acceptable coursework/degree in meeting the 'Special Education Qualifications' above shall be in the following areas: a Liberal Arts core content-focused course of studies; in the social or behavioral sciences; Education; Special Education; Early Childhood Development; or, closely related field. Transcripts (or ACT WorkKeys Certificate) must be provided with the application to verify education.
PREFERRED Special Experience Qualifications: One (1) full year of experience working with children/youth who are blind/visually impaired or special needs is preferred; e.g., paid child care, teaching, counseling, etc. NOTE: One (1) full year of experience is equivalent to 2,080 hours.
Applications will be used as a part of the comparative analysis process to rank candidates (based on preferred experience above) and to identify a top group for interview. Experience working with children/youth must be described in detail on the on-line application to receive credit.
Conditions of Employment
- Persons applying for this position must be willing to work an academic-year schedule (August to mid-June,) as per established School Calendar (subject to change).
- State Teacher Aide positions at CSDB are non-exempt, and employees are eligible to receive overtime pay, with a condition of employment that overtime work must be appropriately authorized in advance and may be paid in compensatory time in lieu of cash payment. These positions are not eligible for shift differential pay.
- This position requires medium lifting: i.e., the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move persons or objects.
- Possession of a current, valid State of Colorado Driver's License (Regular) is preferred -- please provide a copy with application.
- Must successfully complete annual Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Transportation / driver training requirements if assigned to transport students.
- Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a background check, to include Colorado and Federal criminal history checks, employment verification, and professional / personal reference checks.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work effectively with students who are blind/visually impaired and/or Deafblind and who may have additional disabilities / special needs.
- A courteous, professional and helpful attitude in the role of CSDB representative.
- Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback; ability to participate effectively in a team setting and to work independently; strong interpersonal and communication skills; effective organizational skills; effective problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to email, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.
- Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (0+) skill level; or applicants must be willing and able to attain proficiency at hat level within a specified period of time as demonstrated by an appropriate assessment tool, and according to school policy / procedure.
APPEAL RIGHTS
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
Communication relative to this position will occur primarily via e-mail correspondence.
How To Apply:
In addition to the submission of a complete on line application (to include references), please upload the items listed below to the on-line application:
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a current resume. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a complete application.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit at least two (2) recent letters of recommendation (with signature).
- A copy of current, valid State of Colorado Drivers' License must be submitted with application.
- Transcripts (or ACT WorkKeys Certificate) must be provided with the application to verify education.
Complete applications must be received by the application deadline/closing date; postmarks will not suffice as timely receipt (for applications not submitted on-line).
Important Information:
Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Applications may also be used as a part of the comparative analysis process to rank candidates and identify a top group for interview. Read this job announcement carefully before completing the on-line application. Applications must specifically address/support applicant qualifications as they relate to the requirements listed in 'Description of Job' and 'Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions and Conditions of Employment/Additional Requirements' sections. Official transcripts and/or other supporting documentation must be provided with the application to verify education/minimum qualifications/additional requirements. Failure to complete the application properly and include required information and/or documents, or if applications do not demonstrate that education/experience is consistent with the categories listed on this announcement, may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Also, in order to be considered for this position, complete applications must be received by the application deadline/closing date. Applicants will be notified of the results of this review.
Please refer to the CO-Jobs State Employment Opportunities website (careers.colorado.gov) for the following information:
- State Employment FAQs
- Address Confidentiality Program
- ADA Accommodations
- Residency Requirements
Compensation / Benefits:
The State of Colorado and CSDB demonstrate commitment to our employees with a competitive benefits package. Although individual benefits will vary, in general, for every $100 that employees earn, the state contributes approximately $25 in additional compensation. For example, the State contributes to employee health/dental/vision care coverage, life insurance coverage, short-term disability insurance coverage, retirement, and personal leave. For more information about insurance benefits, visit the State of Colorado website: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Traci K. Monger / Human Resources Manager, at email: tmonger@csdb.org or call (719) 578-2114.